INSPIRATION
Ron Hoak spoke about the importance of gratitude in our lives, “to be grateful is to be free from what we don’t have and celebrate the people and the things that we do have.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
PP Randy Dittmar reminded members that there are still several large schools that need to have dictionaries given to the students. Perhaps you could partner with another Rotarian to help complete this project?
That’s what PP Anthony Hollingshead and PE Art Norwalk did – sharing the distribution at Carl Lauro and Anthony Carnevale Elementary Schools.
Did you know that Randy has chaired the Dictionary project since it began 13 years ago? THANK YOU, RANDY!
President Don reported that 2,000 pairs of gloves from Ocean State Job Lot and many hats and scarfs were donated for the Warm for Winter program that was coordinated by Christy Clausen.
Donated items left over from the initial gathering have been given to children and families at other recreation centers throughout the city.
Don read a letter from Jim Alexander thanking Club members for their expression of condolences and support of the celebration recognizing the life and legacy of his wife, Judy.
PP Mike Kelly is keeping in touch with Cy Wyche. Cy is missing everyone, sends his regards and would love to hear from members.
Welcome to visiting former member Ed Queenan, now president of the Rotary club in his new home town near Aspen, Colorado.
HAPPY BUCKS – Pete Brock
Pete started it off with the Super Bowl or what some are calling the, “Tom Brady invitational,” and the 5th birthday of his granddaughter, Elizabeth, who changed his life forever!
Richard Applebaum for a wonderful visit with his life partner, Hilary, to the Beardslee Castle in Little Falls, NY.
Tony Bucci, Warwick Rotary PP, for his many friends in the Providence Club.
Mary Brewster for the beautiful flowers she received from the Club after her recent surgery.
Anthony Hollingshead for Christy’s organization of last Sunday’s Warm for Winter event.
President Don for his grandchild, Jack, being honored by the Norton School Committee for his work in movies and TV and for granddaughter, Rachel, for her award from Tufts and the Museum of Fine Arts for her anatomy art work.
CASA – The Eyes and Ears of Family Court
Cheryl Martone of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) began her presentation with a touching and motivational video, I’m for the Child, which highlights stories of neglected and abused children who are in the care of RI Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and the RI Family Court. She went on to describe how volunteer advocates play a key role in presenting the wants and needs of individual children to Family Court judges.
The CASA organization recruits, trains and supports volunteers who serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court. They monitor DCYF care plans, visit children at home, group homes or school and have the best view of a child’s life.
The need for volunteers exceeds supply – only 15% of children who need it have CASA volunteers. While the training and commitment are extensive, CASA’s attorneys and social workers provide the volunteer with support for their work. This is a challenging volunteer position, but one that can have a profound effect on a child’s life and experience with DCYF and Family Court.
